For couples planning a family, infertility can be one of the most frustrating experiences. In America, one out of every eight couples struggle to have children.[1] This is an ever increasing number due to our modern poor diet, environmental toxins, and stressful lifestyle.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can be one of the more difficult conditions for women trying to
conceive. PCOS occurs in women during ovulation. Typically, excessive testosterone produced in the body as a response to inflammation will halt ovulation.[2] When this occurs the follicle inside the ovary that would have matured into an egg becomes a cyst.[2]
In terms of getting pregnant, if a woman cannot ovulate completely she will not be able to conceive.
There are a variety of medications that can be used for PCOS. The most commonly used medication for PCOS is hormone replacement birth control (the pill). Obviously, birth control medications are not useful for women trying to get pregnant.
Electro-acupuncture has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials to stimulate ovulation for PCOS women.[3] Why is this so important? For women trying to boost their fertility with PCOS, electro-acupuncture is a viable option to stimulate ovulation without having to take rounds of medication.
Click to read more information from Dr. VanOtterloo about acupuncture and infertility.
Article Authored by
Dr. Mark VanOtterloo LAc
Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Links
1. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f6/fa/16/f6fa16616e380de9ea62ce0e907ffa25.jpg
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10716298
